Mile for mile, flying is the most damaging way to travel for our climate. But there is good news. Delta Airlines is committing to transitioning to more sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), pledging to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. But burning SAFs still produces climate damaging carbon dioxide, and the transition will be very slow.
Also, good news, the number of electric vehicles in Utah is increasing, just not fast enough to solve our air pollution problems. “When so much of our carbon emissions come from transportation, nothing feels quite fast enough, but the momentum is undeniable,” said Kelbe Goupil, senior associate of electrification for Utah Clean Energy.
How can we quickly and with fewer government regulations reduce carbon dioxide emissions so our climate can remain healthy and safe? The simplest, most conservative way is to adopt a carbon fee and dividend. A carbon fee charged at the source of extraction, and on carbon intensive imports at our borders, will jump start innovation and development of new, lower cost, clean energy technologies —like SAFs — resulting in 21st century jobs. Starting low and gradually rising, a carbon fee would be combined with a monthly dividend or cash back rebate to all Americans, offsetting higher prices for 80% of Americans.
The nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby and the conservative organization RepublicEN.org agree with over 3,500 economists that a carbon fee and dividend is the simplest, most logical, and conservative way to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Please urge Sen. Lee and your federal representatives to join Sen. Romney in his call for both a carbon tax and carbon border adjustment fee.
The future looks good for flying with a lower carbon footprint.
Jean Lown, Logan
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